Stanhope council OK’s ordinances

Report on paving received

November 20, 2012

STANHOPE - When the Stanhope City Council met in its regular monthly session last week, the council reviewed three new proposed ordinances and approved the first reading of each.

One ordinance amends provisions pertaining to all-terrain vehicles. The second ordinance amends provisions pertaining to installment payment of the cost of abatement, and the third ordinance pertains to service discontinued and lien exemption. The first reading of all three ordinances was approved, with the second readings to be on the agenda for the December council meeting.,

City Clerk Ron McKenzie reported to the council that the city has received official notification that repaving of Iowa Highway 17 through Stanhope will be completed during the summer of 2014. There will be a three-inch asphalt overlay. He outlined what the city is responsible for with the project, which has an estimate of $45,000, or 33 percent of the total cost. It can be paid in three installments of $15,000 per year beginning with the first payment due July 1, 2015.

Public works superintendent Tad Stupp updated the council on several projects. The exterior siding on the Stanhope Fire/EMS building has been completed, with exterior grading and rock installation around the building being completed to improve drainage.

Stupp also reported on plans for the Iowa Rural Water Association to bring a camera to town to shoot elevations to improve drainage in the 800 block of Iowa Street on the south side. Harris Company will work with Stupp to get an accurate cost estimate for the planned work.

It was reported that two small sink holes near the pavement on Main Street are most likely a result of the extreme drought.

In other business, the council:

Held a very brief preliminary discussion on the proposed 2013-14 operating budget.

Approved the appointment of McKenzie as the authorized representative for the Resale Power Group of Iowa, effective immediately.

Directed the city clerk to check on the dog and other animal leash laws in neighboring communities and report his findings to see if the current ordinance in Stanhope can be improved.